Gianfranco Zola told Sky Sports on Saturday Night Football that it’s ‘a pleasure to watch’ reported Arsenal target, Jesse Lingard, in action at West Ham.
The Premier League legend labelled the thriving playmaker as a ‘total player’, with his stock rising in East London following his loan move to West Ham in January.
From East London to North London, there seems to be interest growing in Lingard’s services, with Arsenal and Mikel Arteta planning to make a ‘surprise’ move for the £40 million-rated player.
Arsenal fans have for far too long seen Lingard dancing his way past their defence and then during his celebrations after he scored.
So, it would be something if he swapped Manchester United for Arsenal in the summer, although, West Ham will have something to say about that.
But Zola, who was an artist himself with quick feet and the ability to put opposition defenders on their backside at will, shared his thoughts on Linagrd’s qualities.
“It’s a pleasure to watch him play like this, honestly,” said Zola. “He has been a player that has changed a lot.
“The size of West Ham, he is giving them everything they need. He’s providing assists for the players. He’s participating in play.
“He has been a total player. I am very happy for him because he’s also an asset for the national team and it’s good for West Ham to have him.”
The one problem facing interested parties for Lingard’s signature is game by game, his price tag is going through the roof.
If Manchester United want to keep him in the summer then there’s only one place he will be.
But given his 12 goal involvement since switching Manchester for London, those numbers on his potential transfer fee are going up in equal ways.
And in the past, both the Hammers and Arsenal have proven that they aren’t wild spenders, which may prove to be a sticking point if they attempt to sign him.
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